100+ First Day Of School Quotes For Students

A curated collection of inspiring, funny, and heartfelt first day of school quotes for students of all ages, including special messages from parents.

The first day of school hits differently when you're a parent, doesn’t it?

One minute you’re stuffing snacks into tiny compartments, the next you’re standing at the school gate, holding back a lump in your throat. Whether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or their last first day of high school, it’s always a little emotional—and that’s completely okay.

That’s where a few heartfelt words can work magic. A sweet note tucked into their lunchbox, a little reminder before they walk through those doors, or even a quote shared on your WhatsApp story—it can help both you and your child feel grounded and inspired.

These are perfect for giving your child a confidence boost, helping them start the year strong, and letting them know you’re cheering them on, even from afar. So, grab a cup of chai (or coffee—I don’t judge), and let’s dive into some of the most uplifting and encouraging quotes for students you’ll want to save and share.

Inspiring First Day of School Quotes for Students

The first day can feel like a mix of butterflies and bravery. Whether your child is stepping into a new classroom or just needs a little push to feel confident, these quotes are like tiny pep talks to start the school year strong.

Here are 20 inspiring quotes perfect for students:

1. “You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so... get on your way!” - Dr. Seuss
   
   
2. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela
   
   
3. “Believe you can and you're halfway there.” - Theodore Roosevelt
   
   
4. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
   
   
5. “Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” - John Wooden
   
   
6. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” - Henry David Thoreau
   
   
7. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” - Arthur Ashe
   
   
8. “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” - Robert Collier
   
   
9. “The expert in anything was once a beginner.” - Helen Hayes
   
   
10. “Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.” - Mahatma Gandhi
    
    
11. “It’s not about being the best. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.” - Unknown
    
    
12. “Mistakes are proof that you are trying.” - Jennifer Lim
    
    
13. “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” - A.A. Milne
    
    
14. “If you can dream it, you can do it.” - Walt Disney
    
    
15. “Strive for progress, not perfection.” - Unknown
    
    
16. “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” - John F. Kennedy
    
    
17. “It always seems impossible until it's done.” - Nelson Mandela
    
    
18. “What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.” - Ralph Marston
    
    
19. “Be a student as long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life.” - Henry L. Doherty
    
    
20. “Dream big, work hard, stay focused, and surround yourself with good people.” - Unknown

Funny First Day of School Quotes to Lighten the Mood

Let’s be honest—sometimes the best way to shake off those first-day jitters is with a little humor! Whether your child is giggling on the way to class or you’re trying not to cry behind your sunglasses, these funny first day of school quotes are sure to lighten the mood.

Here are 20 quotes to bring on the smiles:

1. “Sign on a school entrance: ‘Welcome back! We missed your energy… and your parents definitely missed us!’” - Unknown
   
   
2. “The first day of school: when the countdown to the next vacation begins.” - Unknown
   
   
3. “School means work... but at least there’s recess.” - Unknown
   
   
4. “First day of school: 50% excitement, 50% ‘Do I really have to wear pants?’” - Unknown
   
   
5. “My school pictures are proof that my mom loved me… but not my hair.” - Unknown
   
   
6. “Some kids love school. Others just love the snacks.” - Unknown
   
   
7. “Going back to school means waking up early again. This is my villain origin story.” - Unknown
   
   
8. “Nothing like the smell of sharpened pencils and mild panic.” - Unknown
   
   
9. “First day outfit: 10/10. First day brain: buffering…” - Unknown
   
   
10. “School teaches you how to count… but not how to make it to the bus on time.” - Unknown
    
    
11. “I can’t believe I’m up this early and not going on vacation.” - Unknown
    
    
12. “The only thing harder than waking up on the first day of school is pretending to be awake.” - Unknown
    
    
13. “Dear coffee, we’re going to need each other more than ever now.” - Every parent ever
    
    
14. “If parents had a theme song on the first day of school, it would be ‘Celebrate Good Times.’” - Unknown
    
    
15. “Back to school: the official end of summer and sanity.” - Unknown
    
    
16. “Why do they call it the first day of school when it feels like a whole year already?” - Unknown
    
    
17. “School: where the WiFi connects faster than I do.” - Unknown
    
    
18. “Behind every child on the first day of school is a mom taking 37 photos.” - Unknown
    
    
19. “Some kids cry on the first day of school. Some parents cry. Some teachers cry. It’s a whole thing.” - Unknown
    
    
20. “First day vibes: ‘Do I look smart enough to ask where the bathroom is?’” - Unknown

First Day of Kindergarten Quotes for the Little Ones

That very first day of kindergarten is a moment you’ll never forget—tiny backpacks, shoes on the wrong feet, and the proudest smile (on both your faces!). These gentle, encouraging quotes are perfect for helping your child take that brave first step into a world of learning, wonder, and new friendships.

Here are 20 heartwarming first day of kindergarten quotes:

1. “Let them be little, because they’re only that way for a little while.” - Unknown
   
   
2. “Kindergarten is not just a beginning—it’s a beautiful blooming of curiosity.” - Unknown
   
   
3. “You're off to learn, to laugh, and to grow. What a big adventure awaits!” - Unknown
   
   
4. “Today you’re a little seed, tomorrow you’ll be a tree full of dreams.” - Unknown
   
   
5. “It’s a small step for you, but a giant leap for mommy’s heart.” - Unknown
   
   
6. “First day of kindergarten: where tiny shoes take giant steps.” - Unknown
   
   
7. “Kindergarten—where the adventure of learning begins.” - Unknown
   
   
8. “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” - A.A. Milne
   
   
9. “Behind every child starting kindergarten is a parent wondering where the time went.” - Unknown
   
   
10. “You're not just starting school; you're beginning a beautiful journey.” - Unknown
    
    
11. “A big day for little feet—go get ‘em, kiddo!” - Unknown
    
    
12. “Today, you’ll make new friends and learn new things. And we’ll be right here, cheering you on.” - Unknown
    
    
13. “Kindergarten is where crayons become magic wands and ABCs turn into dreams.” - Unknown
    
    
14. “Don’t worry, little one. The world is waiting to be colored with your joy.” - Unknown
    
    
15. “It takes a lot of courage to be little and brave. And today, you are both.” - Unknown
    
    
16. “Watch out world, this kindergartner is coming in hot!” - Unknown
    
    
17. “Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this world a beautiful garden.” - Unknown
    
    
18. “Today you’ll learn letters, but you’ll teach us strength.” - Unknown
    
    
19. “You are smart, you are strong, and you are ready.” - Unknown
    
    
20. “Your backpack may be small, but your heart is mighty.” - Unknown
    

Short Quotes for School to Start the Day Right

Sometimes, just a few words can give a big boost. These short and sweet quotes are perfect for those busy mornings when you want to encourage your child with something simple, cheerful, and meaningful before they head off to school.

Here are 20 short quotes to spark a great school day:

1. “Today is a good day to learn something new.” - Unknown
   
   
2. “Shine bright. The world needs your light.” - Unknown
   
   
3. “You’ve got this, one step at a time.” - Unknown
   
   
4. “Smart is something you become.” - Unknown
   
   
5. “A curious mind is a powerful thing.” - Unknown
   
   
6. “Be kind, be brave, be you.” - Unknown
   
   
7. “Every day is a fresh start.” - Unknown
   
   
8. “You are stronger than you feel.” - Unknown
   
   
9. “Show up. Work hard. Be proud.” - Unknown
   
   
10. “Be the reason someone smiles today.” - Unknown
    
    
11. “Focus, learn, grow.” - Unknown
    
    
12. “Let your effort shine louder than your fear.” - Unknown
    
    
13. “Mistakes mean you’re trying.” - Unknown
    
    
14. “Big dreams begin with small steps.” - Unknown
    
    
15. “Wake up. Learn. Repeat.” - Unknown
    
    
16. “Don’t just fit in—stand out.” - Unknown
    
    
17. “You’re learning how to fly.” - Unknown
    
    
18. “Confidence looks good on you.” - Unknown
    
    
19. “Be your own kind of awesome.” - Unknown
    
    
20. “You’re doing amazing—keep going.” - Unknown

Famous Quotes About Schooling and Learning

Some words never go out of style—especially when they come from great thinkers, writers, and leaders. These famous quotes about schooling and learning remind us of the real purpose behind education: growth, curiosity, and lifelong discovery. Whether you’re sending your child off to their first day or just cheering them on mid-year, these gems are sure to inspire.

Here are 20 timeless quotes to celebrate the power of learning:

1. “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” - B.B. King
   
   
2. “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” - Mahatma Gandhi
   
   
3. “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
   
   
4. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” - William Butler Yeats
   
   
5. “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” - Plutarch
   
   
6. “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” - Benjamin Franklin
   
   
7. “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” - Margaret Mead
   
   
8. “Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company, and reflection must finish him.” - John Locke
   
   
9. “Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” - Anthony J. D’Angelo
   
   
10. “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcolm X
    
    
11. “Learning never exhausts the mind.” - Leonardo da Vinci
    
    
12. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss
    
    
13. “School is a building which has four walls with tomorrow inside.” - Lon Watters
    
    
14. “It is not what is poured into a student that counts, but what is planted.” - Linda Conway
    
    
15. “Education doesn’t just make us smarter. It makes us whole.” - Jill Biden
    
    
16. “Do not confine your children to your own learning, for they were born in another time.” - Chinese Proverb
    
    
17. “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” - Aristotle
    
    
18. “Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.” - Abigail Adams
    
    
19. “He who opens a school door, closes a prison.” - Victor Hugo

First Day of School Quotes from Mom & Dad

The first day of school isn’t just a big step for the kids—it’s a huge, emotional moment for parents too. That mix of pride, nerves, and “how did they grow up so fast?” hits hard. These quotes capture exactly what moms and dads feel when they watch their child walk through that school gate, with their heart in a tiny backpack.

Here are 20 quotes from the hearts of parents:

1. “You may be out of my arms, but never out of my heart.” - Mom
   
   
2. “It feels like just yesterday I held your hand to take your first step—today, you’re walking into school all by yourself.” - Dad
   
   
3. “A part of me walked away with you this morning, and I couldn’t be prouder.” - Mom
   
   
4. “Watching you go to school is both the hardest and most beautiful thing.” - Dad
   
   
5. “I packed your lunch, kissed your forehead, and let go of your hand—but I held on to your heart.” - Mom
   
   
6. “You’ve got your pencils, books, and crayons—but don’t forget the love I tucked into your bag.” - Dad
   
   
7. “You are braver than you believe, and today proves it.” - Mom
   
   
8. “I’m cheering for you from the car, from home, from my heart.” - Dad
   
   
9. “Let the world see the magic I see in you every day.” - Mom
   
   
10. “I’m not crying, you’re growing.” - Dad
    
    
11. “You’ve got a whole classroom ahead, but don’t forget—you’ll always be my baby.” - Mom
    
    
12. “Each step you take into that classroom is a chapter in your story—and I’m your biggest fan.” - Dad
    
    
13. “You’re starting school, but I’ll never stop being your teacher in love, courage, and kindness.” - Mom
    
    
14. “Take that curiosity, that sparkle in your eyes, and show the world who you are.” - Dad
    
    
15. “I’m not worried—you’ve always been ready for big dreams.” - Mom
    
    
16. “You go learn and laugh, and I’ll be right here waiting to hear all about it.” - Dad
    
    
17. “No matter how tall you grow, you’ll always be the little one I kissed goodbye on your first day of school.” - Mom
    
    
18. “Today, you walk into school with your head high—and my love wrapped around you like a blanket.” - Dad
    
    
19. “As you learn your ABCs, remember: You are Amazing, Brave, and Capable.” - Mom
    
    
20. “You’ve got this, champ. Just don’t forget to save me a hug when you’re back.” - Dad

Last First Day of School Quotes (for Seniors)

It hits differently, doesn’t it? The last first day. One moment you’re packing tiny backpacks, and the next, your not-so-little one is heading into their senior year—ready to close a chapter and start a new one. Whether you're a parent soaking in the moment or a senior standing on the edge of something new—these quotes are for you.

Here are 20 quotes that capture the feeling of the last first day:

1. “You blink, and suddenly their last first day is here.” - Unknown
   
   
2. “Today marks an end and a beginning. The last first day of school before the world opens wide.” - Unknown
   
   
3. “Senior year: the last hallways, the last classrooms, the last bell. Make it count.” - Unknown
   
   
4. “You’re not just closing a book—you’re preparing to write your own.” - Unknown
   
   
5. “One last first day, one final year of growing before you fly.” - Mom
   
   
6. “This may be the last first day, but your journey is just getting started.” - Unknown
   
   
7. “Take a moment. Breathe it in. This is the last first time you’ll walk into school like this.” - Unknown
   
   
8. “You’ve walked this path for years—today, you walk it with confidence and memories.” - Dad
   
   
9. “First days used to mean holding hands. Now they mean letting go.” - Unknown
   
   
10. “The tassel was worth the hustle—almost there, senior!” - Unknown
    
    
11. “You’re not who you were on your first first day, and that’s the beauty of it.” - Unknown
    
    
12. “Your cap and gown may be a few months away, but today is the first step into your future.” - Unknown
    
    
13. “Here’s to the last first-day selfies, last lockers, last routines—and the first steps to freedom.” - Unknown
    
    
14. “Today is filled with pride, purpose, and maybe a few tears. Enjoy it all.” - Mom
    
    
15. “The finish line is in sight—but don’t forget to dance through the final lap.” - Unknown
    
    
16. “This is the last first bell, but your voice will echo far beyond these halls.” - Unknown
    
    
17. “One last lunchbox, one last class schedule—one huge leap into adulthood.” - Dad
    
    
18. “It’s not goodbye yet—but it’s definitely ‘hello, almost there.’” - Unknown
    
    
19. “From crayons to college forms—you’ve come so far.” - Unknown
    
    
20. “Dear senior, the world is ready for you. But for today, just be proud of how far you’ve come.” - Unknown

How to Use These First Day of School Quotes

These first day of school quotes aren’t just words—they’re little keepsakes of love, encouragement, and excitement. Whether you’re a parent sending off a kindergartener or a senior, these quotes can add meaning and magic to the moment.

Here are a few thoughtful ways you can use them:

1. Write a Lunchbox Note
   Slip a short, encouraging quote into your child’s lunchbox. It might be just the little boost they need halfway through the day.
   
   
2. Pair with a First Day Photo
   Use a quote as a caption for your child’s first day photo—whether it’s for social media, your scrapbook, or a memory frame at home.
   
   
3. Create a Keepsake
   Start a first day of school tradition where you write down a new quote each year in a journal or notebook. Over time, it becomes a beautiful memory book to look back on.
   
   
4. Start the Day with Encouragement
   Say a quote aloud during breakfast or on the ride to school. It sets a positive tone for the day and can ease any first-day jitters.
   
   
5. Include It in a Teacher Gift or Card
   A thoughtful quote can be a lovely addition to a card or small gift for your child’s teacher—starting the year on a warm and appreciative note.
   
   
6. Decorate Their Room or Study Space
   Print or write your favorite quote and hang it in your child’s room or above their study desk. It can serve as a gentle daily reminder of your support.

Conclusion

The first day of school is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a milestone. Whether it's the very first time your little one wears a backpack or the final year of high school, these moments are filled with pride, excitement, and a whole lot of emotion.

Quotes have a special way of capturing those feelings when words don’t come easily. From sparking motivation to offering comfort, they remind us that each school year is a new chapter—and one worth celebrating.

So, whether you’re jotting one down in a lunchbox, posting it with a photo, or whispering it during a goodbye hug at the school gate—use these words to make the moment meaningful.

Here’s to a fresh start, big dreams, and all the beautiful days ahead.